The Dead of Winter

#blogtour #review @emmamitchellpfr @BillyMclaughlin #TheDeadofWinter

The blurb:

One missing baby! One runaway teenager! Coincidence? Detective Kevin Wallace doesn't think so. And neither do the residents of Golf Road, who are all too quick to point the finger at a man with severe learning disabilities. As Wallace and a colleague, who has already experienced the ugly nature of this particular community, get closer to the truth they may not like what is hidden behind closed doors.This is a brand new mystery from the writer of 'Lost Girl' and 'In the Wake of Death'. Let the chills commence.

My thoughts:

Ok. There were 3 things i first did upon finishing this book.

Firstly, i exhaled and started to breathe again. I felt like i'd spent the whole of this book holding my breath, as i waited for the next thing to happen.

Secondly, i messaged my friend and said "OMG, have you read this book?!? It's an absolute must!" clearly, she hadn't as it's not released until March 13th, so instead she bought Billys' first novelette and is awaiting the publication of this.

Thirdly, i went straight onto Amazon and purchased all 3 of Billy Mclaughlins' books. Seriously, it is THAT good!

I'll start where i usually do with these things. The cover. It appealed to me instantly and it's one i would proudly display on my bookshelf. It's enticing and gives a feeling of the story having hidden depths. The story is all of that and so much more.

Right from the beginning you are drawn into a novel that is intense, dark and fast paced. There is literally no time to breathe, as you are carried away in a twisted and at times heartbreaking tale. There is a plethora of characters, and although a short(ish) story, each one has a distinct personality. Not all of them pleasant i have to say.

Unusually, at no point in this book did i think...yes, i know whats going on, i know what will happen. I couldn't have guessed even if i wanted too! You are taken on a roller coaster of a journey with so many upside down moments, you need to stop for a minute to straighten yourself up when you get off. Using this analogy again, i can tell you, this book has left me with a feeling of tingly anticipation in preparation for stepping into his other novels.

The whole story takes place in one street and is told using the residents there in. It is almost what i could call, self-contained. Making it a tight, topsy turvy read. Just fabulous.

I would happily recommend this to others, as you've just read, i already have. It was interesting and well written. Even with such a variety of a cast of characters, the author has achieved a story that flows well. The chapters are short and snappy and perfect to keep the reader going with the "just one more chapter" mentality. I devoured this book in a day.